Pakistan, Sept. 9 -- Pakistan's first National Plan of Action for shark conservation comes with a warning that should affect the finance ministry as much as the fisheries department. Shark landings in Pakistani waters have fallen by more than 85 per cent over the past five decades. The 10-year plan announced on Tuesday proposes controls on finning and bycatch, protection for vulnerable species, shark sanctuaries, mangrove restoration, stock assessments and vessel monitoring.

Islamabad is making large promises about the sea economy. Seafood exports reached a record $568 million in FY2025-26. Fisheries, ports, shipping, ship recycling, aquaculture, coastal tourism and offshore energy now populate the government's blue-economy plans. The fi...